No one goes to work expecting to get hurt on the job. But, despite all the safety training and protocols, accidents do happen. There is a myriad of reasons why they happen, such as a co-worker’s negligence, poorly maintained equipment or a defective product. Workers’ compensation (also known as workmans’ compensation) is a state-run insurance program that provides compensation for medical expenses and lost wages if you are hurt on the job or contracted a work-related illness. By law, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. The attorneys at Saffren & Weinberg have extensive experience and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
6. An employer is not obligated to create a position for you when you return to work and cannot perform the duties of your old job. The employer can give you light duties until you are fully recovered to return to your old position.
7. It is illegal for an employer to harass an employee who has filed a claim.
8. Lost wage benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
9. Workers’ compensation can affect your social security, pension, severance pay and unemployment compensation.
10. Workers’ compensation begins on day one of employment.
11. Medical benefits begin from day one of the injury.
12. Benefits can be terminated when the employee returns to work or has reached maximum medical improvement (treatment will no longer help the employee.)
13. The employer is responsible to pay for funeral expenses up to $3,500.
Workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits.
Lost Wages Benefits: Lost wage payments are determined by your benefits status:
Lost-wage payments are equal to two-thirds of your average weekly pay. You must miss seven days of work before this benefit is payable. Time is of the essence, so if your claim is accepted by the insurance company, you will receive the first compensation check within 21 days of absence from work. Compensation payments are made by your employer or insurance company up to 90 days.
Specific Loss Benefits: This applies if you have lost all or part of your hand, arm, leg, foot, sight, hearing or have a permanent disfigurement on your head, face or neck.
Death Benefit: If an injury results in death, the family of the deceased is entitled to benefits.
Medical Care: Medical bills, including surgical and medical services, devices and prostheses and rehabilitation, are covered by an approved physician or health care provider. You may seek treatment for 90 days. If you become sick or an illness is aggravated by employment, your disability must occur within 300 weeks of your last employment where you were exposed to the hazard.
Get all the facts you need to understand the inner workings of your case. Saffren & Weinberg is here to provide you a voice for justice. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve.
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